To Sanson

They boast of Ormuz's milk-white pearls, The ruby's magic art, And proudly wear the crystal drop That fires the diamond's heart.

And these may admiration claim, And countless wealth may sway, But rarer gem was given to me, One golden summer day.

Its wondrous tints, a brilliant glow, Emit in darkest gloom, A sweeter fragrance 'round it clings, Than breath of eastern bloom.

Were all earth's costly jewels thrown In one great glittering heap, They could not buy for ev'n a day The gem I'd selfish keep.

Yet 'twas not won from pearly depths, Nor gleaned from diamond mine, Nor all the chemist's subtlety Its substance could define.

It ne'er was set in band of fold Some dainty hand to grace, Ne'er shone in diadem to deck A brow of kingly race.

For me alone, a wizard spell Lies prisoned in its beams, Hours of enchanted ecstacy And days of Eden dreams.

Wouldst know the precious gift with which For worlds I would not part? The priceless jewel is they love, Its setting is my heart. REVENITA.